The Kentucky Derby is the World’s most famous horse race, and the first jewel of the Triple Crown. On the first Saturday of every May, America’s best 3-year old Thorough-breeds assemble at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. For well over a hundred years, the Kentucky Derby has been the opening event that heralds Spring and Kentucky’s social season, for the parties given prior to the Derby are as legendary as the race itself. Don’t miss the most exciting two minutes in sports.
Immediately before the Derby, many events occur daily offering various kinds of entertainment. From the Great Balloon Race, to riverbank picnics enjoyed while the steam boats are racing down the Ohio River, the fantastic fireworks display, Thunder Over Louisville and the Pegasus Parade, the people of Kentucky enjoy entertaining long before the actual day of the race.
Hats, Hats and more Hats! Kentucky Derby hats are not only a fashion tradition, they are also said to be good luck to those wearing them. As far as fashion, many men wear suits when attending the Derby, and woman wair dresses, typically in Spring colors with their strategically selected hats.
Permitted and banned items: If you plan on attending the Kentucky Derby, you can bring in food items in a small (18 x 18) clear bag, water and soft drinks in sealed, unopened plastic bottles, small cameras, binoculars, sunscreen and seat cushions without a back. If you are in Gate 3 then you can also bring folding chairs and blankets. You may not bring coolers, pop up tents, camcorders, tripods, purses larger than 12″ in dimension, grills, alcoholic beverages, backpacks, umbrellas or noise makers of any kind.
This year is the 140th running of the Derby is the perfect time for your trip to Churchill Downs. Your fantastic weekend includes tickets to the Oaks Race on Friday, as well as Derby Tickets for Saturday. Kentucky Derby Packages offer great value.
Here are our best selling Kentucky Derby packages for 2014 that include Tauck Tours and other Sports companies. Please keep in mind that availability is limited, and these packages do sell out, and have prices increases at any time.
Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby Bluegrass Country
5 Days/ 4 Nights accommodations at the Griffin Gate Marriot Resort
Tauck rolls out the red carpet for there guests on Run for the Roses: The Kentucky Derby – Taucks exclusive five-day event in Lexington, Kentucky, celebrating the 140th Running of the Kentucky Derby, April 30th – May 4, 2014. Experience the excitement leading up to the first leg in thoroughbred horse racing’s coveted Triple Crown from the moment you arrive in Lexington… and the thrill of viewing the Derby as a VIP in Tauck’s reserved seating on the First Turn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, enjoying our private Trackside Village unit with pari-mutuel betting windows, open bar and dining throughout the day.
- Four nights at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa
- Choice of two itineraries: Bluegrass Country, featuring “Kentucky Heritage” sightseeing including Kentucky Horse Park; or Thoroughbred World, for horse enthusiasts, including admission to the 140th Kentucky Oaks
- VIP viewing of the 140th Kentucky Derby in your choice of Tauck’s three options of air-conditioned indoor/outdoor units at Churchill Downs, featuring all-day dining and open bar, and live pari-mutuel tellers — a Tauck Exclusive!
- “Bridles & Bourbon” sightseeing for all guests, including a private Lexington horse farm visit & a tour of the Buffalo Trace Distillery with private BBQ lunch
- Cocktails on the lawn and an exclusive private dinner overlooking the racetrack at famous Keeneland
- Talk by a Hall of Fame jockey, bluegrass entertainment and more!
ALL PRICES PER PERSON:
Double occ. $6,980
Jockey’s Package
4 Days/ 3 Nights accommodations at the Galt House Hotel
Hotel is located in downtown about 5 miles form Churchill Downs
Land Features:
- Three nights accommodations at the Galt House Hotel
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Thursday afternoon welcome reception featuring live entertainment, cocktails and hors d’oevuers
- Round trip track transfers
- Credential Holder & Lanyard
- First Floor Grandstand tickets (sections 126-128) to the Kentucky Oaks on Friday or your choice of a Kentucky Horse Farm tour or Kentucky Bourbon tour
- First floor Grandstand tickets (section 126-128) to the Kentucky Derby on Saturday
- $50 Gift card per room to use at any Fourth Street Live Vendor
ALL PRICES PER PERSON:
Double occ. $3695 Single occ. $6395 Triple $2795 Quad: $2695
Ticket Upgrades available, call to inquire. All packages require a $25 document shipping and handling fee. Prices do not include hotel taxes, car rental taxes and misc car rental fees such as optional insurance.
Finish Line Package
4 Days/ 3 Nights accommodations at the Crown Plaza Hotel
Hotel Information: Urban flair blends seamlessly with southern hospitality – the hotel is right at Fourth Street Live! with enticing dining, shopping and entertainment. The hotel is located 8 miles from the Churchill Downs and 5 miles from Louisville Standiford Airport
Land Features:
- Three nights accommodations at the Crowne Plaza
- Avis 3 day full size rental car
- Thursday evening welcome dinner buffet, daily buffet breakfast and post Derby dinner buffet at the Blue Horse Cafe located in the hotel
- Access to the Derby Club at the hotel featuring all day refreshments, hors douvres with top shelf, full service premim bar each evening
- Round trip track transfers
- Credential Holder & Lanyard
- First Floor Grandstand tickets (sections 126-128) to the Kentucky Oaks on Friday or your choice of a Kentucky Horse Farm tour or Kentucky Bourbon tour
- First floor Grandstand tickets (section 126-128) to the Kentucky Derby on Saturday
- $50 Gift card per room to use at any Fourth Street Live Vendor
Ticket Upgrades available, call to inquire. All packages require a $25 document shipping and handling fee. Prices do not include hotel taxes, car rental taxes and misc car rental fees such as optional insurance.
ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON:
Double occ. $2995 Single occ. $5395 Triple $2495 Quad: $2195
Call 800-846-7914 for details.
